Godlewski named head baseball coach as CSJ builds program

College of St. Joseph has named Bob Godlewski head baseball coach as CSJ reinstates baseball in the 2014-15 school year.

Godlewski’s philosophy is that it’s about a lot more than the game itself. It’s about education, preparing for life after college and building friendships.

“Coaching is about my compassion toward their lives and education and what’s going to happen after college. Sports have always been a generator of grouping individuals together for lifelong friendships. I really hope that we are going to put together 25-30 guys that become so close that these friendships will last forever. And, hopefully, I’ll be a conduit for making that happen,” Godlewski said.

Godlewski comes to CSJ with extensive experience as a baseball coach and player. During 11 seasons as coach at Columbia-Greene Community College, his teams compiled a 276-118 record, winning 70 percent of their games. His teams also produced 38 all-region players and 13 All-American’s, and five of his players went on to play professionally. Bob has also served as pitching coach at Castleton State College and head coach at SUNY Adirondack.

Godlewski also spent seven years as a scout for the Tampa Bay Rays. As a player, he was a pro prospect who had a successful college career as a pitcher.

Mark McKnight, National Scouting Supervisor for the Cincinnati Reds says of Godlewski, “As fine a tactician as he is, his love and passion for the game resonates in all those that have played for him. He is an excellent evaluator of talent, a recruiter, motivator, teacher, who will outwork his competition. He has garnered respect, admiration and loyalty from not only his players and peers, his relationship with Major League scouts will help lead many players to College of St. Joseph.”

Building a baseball program at CSJ was attractive to Godlewski because he saw a great deal of opportunity for a first-rate program.

“The small college, the opportunity to be part of growth. It excited me and I truly believe CSJ will be a well-recognized academic institution throughout Vermont and New England for years to come,” Godlewski said.

Godlewski is planning on playing 45 to 50 games next season, including trips to Louisiana and Florida. He also expects to see some Division I opponents on the schedule.

“I think we are going to be competitive right out of the chute. That’s why I’m being aggressive with scheduling. I believe the talent that we will have here will be able to compete with anyone we schedule,” Godlewski said.

Godlewski said a successful first season will be determined by how his team gels both off and on the field.

“Camaraderie needs to be built to have successful program. This isn’t just about baseball, it’s about building a legacy for the college. When I talk about building the best small college program in New England, it’s not just about winning and losing, it’s about how you win. It’s pride that people have in being a part of something that that defines a program. A lot of places have baseball teams, but they have never built a program,” Godlewski said.